7 Comments

Is pedophilia a sexual orientation or a mental disorder?@SonnyOrdell -- I finally found the time to work in some information regarding paraphilia and mental disorders. I hope it clarifies how the classification of paraphilia as a mental disorder works and is applied. Note: the DSM-IV classified paraphilia as an Axis II disorder; the revised DSM IV-TR moved paraphilia to Axis I. :)

Mar31

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Is pedophilia a sexual orientation or a mental disorder?@SonnyOrdell -- let me reword what I'm trying to say. Pedophilia is considered either a paraphilia or a sexual orientation. Being a pedophile is not inherently criminal if the pedophile does not act on his/her sexual urges. If a pedophile initiates sexual contact with a child then it crosses the line to criminal offense. I hope this is more clear. I do know the difference between a pedophile and a molester and will include that in my revised answer, which I hope you will give new consideration.

Mar29

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Is pedophilia a sexual orientation or a mental disorder?@SonnyOrdell - I should have said I will be adding new info to my answer -- I don't have time at this exact moment, but I found my notes from my training with the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board re: pedophilia versus molestation. Will get those up ASAP.

Mar29

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Is pedophilia a sexual orientation or a mental disorder?@SonnyOrdell -- Please remember that SE is not for debating subjective interpretations of fact. Your pronouncement that pedophilia should not be considered criminal is irrelevant to the scope of your question. We are not here to debate or interpret; we are here to share hard facts and provide objective information. That you don't like that pedophilia is a criminal offense does not render my answer incorrect; it seems you came into this question with a pre-determined POV. If you prefer the Wiki to shared practical experience, that is your right. I'm adding some info to my answer.

Mar12

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Is pedophilia a sexual orientation or a mental disorder?@SonnyOrdell - Well, pedophilia might be considered an actual sexual orientation as well as a criminal offense, which would make it "more than an orientation". Our society has deemed pedophilia as a criminal act. So if a pedophile even one time acts on his pedophilic impulses and has sexual contact with a child as defined by the laws of each state, that pedophile becomes, technically, a criminal offender as well as a pedophile. That said, would a pedophile who successfully resists his/her urges for sexual contact with a child be a criminal? Technically? Subjective, yes? :)

Is pedophilia a sexual orientation or a mental disorder?@SonnyOrdell - My general understanding of sexual development is that it is a long-term, complex process with many factors that influence its progression. I would imagine that sexual development certainly starts in childhood and continues through to adulthood. All sexual development begins in childhood, if I'm remembering my Developmental Psychology correctly. A paraphilia is considered a deviance, no matter the age the paraphilia initiates. Basically, a paraphilia is characterized as "a type of mental disorder characterized by a preference for or obsession with unusual sexual practices." :)